Sex Differences in Cortisol Levels

Any situation that upsets an organism’s homeostasis is considered to be a stressor. This study focused on the differences present in salivary cortisol preand post-exercise and discusses any differences between males and females. By comparing the cortisol before and after a stressor, one is able to see if males and females handle and respond to stress differently. 10 males and 10 females participated in a 30 minute run at their choice of intensity. Heart rate and saliva samples were taken preand post-exercise. An enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) (Salmetrics) was used to analyze the cortisol concentrations within the saliva samples and averages for both the concentrations and heart rates were determined using standard methods. Heart rate post-exercise was significantly higher than pre-exercise heart rate in both males and females. The cortisol data showed a significant difference in males pre-exercise and females pre-exercise where the females had a higher salivary cortisol concentration. This study provided future stepping stones in understanding the differences between male and female stress responses.